Health Clearances

Students participating in an official education abroad program lasting 15 days or longer must obtain a medical exam from a healthcare provider, who will complete and submit the mandatory health clearance form on their behalf. Some shorter programs may also require a health clearance - check with your program coordinator or program faculty leader for specific requirements.

Authority and Confidentiality

The UT Austin International Oversight Committee (IOC) has the authority to require a health clearance before any UT Austin-related international travel. 

All health-related information is confidential and is not used during the application process. 

Failure to submit a health clearance form by the deadline may result in the student's referral to the Office of the Dean of Students and may result in 

  • Withdrawal from the program by Texas Global (without a refund)
  • Referral to the Office of the Dean of Students

Health Clearance Requirements

Health Clearance Forms

Special Circumstances

If you have any conditions that require ongoing treatment or monitoring by a physician or healthcare provider, you may be required to obtain a completed Specialist Report Form in order to be cleared to travel abroad. 

Country-Specific Clearances and Travel Vaccinations

No country-specific clearance is required. However, your provider may recommend vaccinations based on your travel destination(s).

Timing and Validity

  • Health clearances may be completed up to six months before departure.
  • If you've had a physical within that time, your provider may complete the form without a new exam.
  • Once processed by Global Risk and Safety (GRS), the clearance is valid for one year.
  • Allow 5–7 business days for processing. Your MyAbroad Portal will show “Completed” once done.

Health Clearance Deadlines

Health clearances must be completed (i.e., approved by GRS) by the following deadlines, so schedule your appointments accordingly:

Fall / Academic Year Programs:June 15
Spring Programs:December 1
May Term Programs:February 1
Summer Faculty-Led Programs:March 15
Summer Affiliate and Exchange Programs:May 1

Preparing for your Appointment:

  • Print and complete the top portion of the Health Clearance Form prior to your appointment.
  • If you are participating in an affiliate or exchange program that requires students to complete a separate health clearance form, download the form from your affiliate provider/exchange university portal and bring it to your appointment.
  • If you will be studying in Spain for 90 days or longer, print the mandatory Medical Certificate required for visa purposes and bring it with you to your appointment.
  • For in-person visits, take the form(s) with you to your appointment.
  • For telehealth appointments, upload the form(s) to your provider portal.
  • Review the UHS Study Abroad Clearances website or consult your physician’s office for any additional steps to complete BEFORE your appointment.

Who Can Complete Your Health Clearance Form

Although not mandatory, to expedite the process we strongly encourage students to obtain their health clearance through University Health Services (UHS).

Appointments at UHS are limited and the process may take several weeks, so we recommend scheduling your clearance appointment as soon as possible. You need not have been accepted into your program to begin the health clearance process.

Students may also use a local clinic or primary care provider (local clinic suggestions can be found at the bottom of this page). However, Texas Global does not accept forms signed by:

  • Doctors of Chiropractic
  • Licensed Professional Counselors
  • Registered Nurses

Only licensed M.D., D.O., P.A., or N.P. professionals may sign the form.

Submitting Forms

Completed health clearance forms must be submitted by the health care provider directly by mail or email to Texas Global Risk and Safety. GRS cannot accept health clearance forms directly from students.

The provider can send forms to GRS in one of the following ways:

Local Clinics

To expedite the process, we strongly encourage students to complete their health clearance through UHS. However, students may opt instead to visit another local clinic or their primary care physician to complete the health clearance process. 

Several Austin-area clinics have agreed to complete UT Austin's health clearance form. This list is not exhaustive, and some clinics may not accept insurance for health clearance examinations.

Participating Austin-area Clinics